Stump Bucket

[wkpoor]

I did a search and found a few posts. Still thought I would revive the topic and try to get some more reviews. I have a JD5400 w/520 loader. Possibly a little more tractor than the average TBN member so I was wondering if a 60 PTO HP tractor will have the muscle to really work this implement or not. Not looking to replace a BH just something reasonably priced to do occasional small tree and bush removal.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Stump buckets vary subtlely in design. I have only used the one I bought. It is not worth having except as a platform for modification. Its like trying to push a pyramid into the ground. Even a 12000# tractor couldnt do much.
larry

 

[Lunk]

They vary in construction and price too.

I stopped to look at one last Friday - Built pretty much the same as Markham's grubber bucket, only it had teeth that were cut from 3/4" steel and welded on, rather than the pin-on ones Markham uses.

List price was $995.00. I told them that Markham would build one in their NC shop an ship it to me in WI for less than half that.

All of a sudden it can be had for $600.00 (I still like Markham's better).

My main issue is also whether my tractor can effectively use one. I think that soil composition would play a large role here as to whether or not it can dig as advertised...

.02 as always...

Lunk

 

[jinman]

Have you watched this video?

EverythingAttachments.com has a stump bucket without grapple for $995, shipping included.

 

[Lunk]

Awesome video demonstrating the power of a tracked skid-steer.

It raises a whole new question for me though, which also applies to using a backhoe to remove stumps:

Why not fork over 25-50 bucks and have it ground out??? I've had 6-12 stumps ground out over the last 15 years or so. Other than having to do a little topsoil filling on some of the bigger ones over the years, as the roots rot away and the ground settles, lawn damage was minimal at worst.

I see some of these 8' diameter holes being dug, and all sorts of rutting of the lawn going on, and cannot help but think that hiring a guy with a grinder makes more sense...

I have a lot of 12-24" rocks sticking partway out of the ground everywhere, and was thinking of using a grubber bucket to help "pop" them out of the ground.


I happen to love "seat-time" as much as the next guy, but not if it results in more "rake-time" for me!

Lunk

 

[Gale Hawkins]

Lunk I had the same thoughts about grinding. Short of row cropping the next week it seems the less dirt moved the better in all ways.

They did not show prep time to seeding back the turf damage.

 

[RPW]

I think one difference between grinding verses removal is what you plan on doing with the ground after. For me I plan on going the removal route because I'll be plowing and discing for planting hay. Fortunately my trees that I need to remove are not near that large.

 

[arrabil]

The standard duty Markham "grubber" bucket will be a PERFECT match for your tractor. You will dig with it like mad. Mine was less than $550 delivered to my door.

I've been using mine to trench the last couple weeks and my only complaint is that I wish I had more tractor power and a wider stance..... both of which you already have.

 

[Reg]

Awesome video demonstrating the power of a tracked skid-steer.

It raises a whole new question for me though, which also applies to using a backhoe to remove stumps:

Why not fork over 25-50 bucks and have it ground out??? I've had 6-12 stumps ground out over the last 15 years or so. Other than having to do a little topsoil filling on some of the bigger ones over the years, as the roots rot away and the ground settles, lawn damage was minimal at worst.

I see some of these 8' diameter holes being dug, and all sorts of rutting of the lawn going on, and cannot help but think that hiring a guy with a grinder makes more sense...

I have a lot of 12-24" rocks sticking partway out of the ground everywhere, and was thinking of using a grubber bucket to help "pop" them out of the ground.


I happen to love "seat-time" as much as the next guy, but not if it results in more "rake-time" for me!

Lunk

I agree, grinding them down (to however far below grade you want) makes far more sense.
Maybe not as much fun, just more sense.
I think 16 inches below grade should be adequate for MOST purposes, unless you HAVE TO run pipes or lines through there.

I'd still like a stump grapple, though running them into the ground to get under roots just HAS TO tweak a loader frame ...EVENTUALLY.
That everythingattachments video is on a track steer that can TAKE that sort of pushing, tractors ain't dozers.

 

[wkpoor]

Skid steers and track steers are mean powerful units but in my limited experience don't have the ability to push like a tractor. But they are built studier to take the punishment. I currently use a BoDozer grapple for logging but I wonder if a unit with thumb would let me do some logging and the unit looks much lighter than the BoDozer.

 

[joes_427_vette]

Have you watched this video?

EverythingAttachments.com has a stump bucket without grapple for $995, shipping included.

Looks easy in sand country. Not a rock to be found. Where I live it is hard pan, rocks, and clay. Nothing short of a back hoe gets the job done here.... unless one has a 20 ton crawler with a six way blade.

 

[jinman]

Looks easy in sand country. Not a rock to be found. Where I live it is hard pan, rocks, and clay. Nothing short of a back hoe gets the job done here.... unless one has a 20 ton crawler with a six way blade.

Of course I agree with you Joe. However, if you don't live where there is a solid rock shelf or other unmovable obstruction, these stump buckets make sense. I don't have a need that justifies buying a backhoe for $6k+, but I have wished many times when working both in the woods and around my area with buried limestone rocks up to 24" diameter, that I had a stump bucket that I could haul to the job in my regular bucket. I'd leave it there for a quick-change to pop out a postoak or blackjack oak stump or maybe an uncovered small rock without the expense of a backhoe. I think I'd use that stump bucket also to dig shallow swales for drainage or laying shallow plumbing lines like we have here in Texas where the frost only penetrates a few inches.

I guess I'm thinking of all those times I've tried to shove a 6' wide bucket with toothbar into the ground to dig up a puny 12" stump with a small rootball. Surely the stump bucket would be easier and make a lot less mess. For a lawn, I also agree that grinding a stump is the way to go, but in the woods a small, ugly hole can be patched quickly and move on. I think the stump bucket fits a niche between the full-sized bucket and a backhoe. There are those whose application would be too much of a challenge for it, but enough of us see it as the perfect tool to make building them and selling them worthwhile for the manufacturers.

 

[Redbug]

I think a stump bucket is also good for digging footers, too.

 

[dangerdoc]

Awesome video demonstrating the power of a tracked skid-steer.

It raises a whole new question for me though, which also applies to using a backhoe to remove stumps:

Why not fork over 25-50 bucks and have it ground out??? I've had 6-12 stumps ground out over the last 15 years or so. Other than having to do a little topsoil filling on some of the bigger ones over the years, as the roots rot away and the ground settles, lawn damage was minimal at worst.

I see some of these 8' diameter holes being dug, and all sorts of rutting of the lawn going on, and cannot help but think that hiring a guy with a grinder makes more sense...

I have a lot of 12-24" rocks sticking partway out of the ground everywhere, and was thinking of using a grubber bucket to help "pop" them out of the ground.


I happen to love "seat-time" as much as the next guy, but not if it results in more "rake-time" for me!

Lunk

I've had luck burning out stumps. I build a burn pile over a stump, the next year when I burn, I have a hole where the stump was, the last one burned the roots out two feet under the ground.

My brother drills holes in the stump and fills them with diesel. He'll refill the holes at they soak in over a month or so. Then he light the stump. It smells and burns for a long time but will also take the stump out well below ground level. The advantage is not having a burn pile or the grass damage.

 

[wkpoor]

I think a stump bucket is also good for digging footers, too.

Now we're gettin funny here heheheeheh

 

[RedDog]

wkpoor,

I have one that I am getting ready to put on craigslist. Bobcat style quick attach/detach, and I am very close to you.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Anybody .. did you notice the blurb on the video saying it took 42 minutes to do that? That was open access from every point on the compass - no obstructions. Mucho not impressive considering the prime mover used. I have lots of experience digging out stumps like that with a 6' bucket on the 7520 with only 1 or two directions of access. It has never taken that long. And with unrestricted access 20 minutes tops. I thot track loaders could push.
larry

 

[FritzII]

wkpoor,

I have one that I am getting ready to put on craigslist. Bobcat style quick attach/detach, and I am very close to you.

RedDog, Please check your private messages.

 

[RedDog]

Pictures of my bucket. I have used it on stumps, and drainage ditches. It no longer gets used and is just sitting in my barn, since I purchased a mini track-hoe.

 

[Reg]

Pictures of my bucket. I have used it on stumps, and drainage ditches. It no longer gets used and is just sitting in my barn, since I purchased a mini track-hoe.

DANG !!!
if only you were closer, or if I could get a trip out that way - SOON (-: